CARIBBEAN CHARTERING---PRIVATE YACHTS WITH
CREW
Presented by Slip
Aweigh Charters, Inc.
Margo Rose, President
US Phone/eFax: 866.297.0163
US Local Office: 727.289.4372
Cell: 727.324.9471
Member CYBA Charter Yacht Brokers
Association
Captain Ernie showing a future sailor how it works.
SHOULD YOU BE CHARTERING WITH CREW? CHECK THE LIST BELOW.
Those wanting full service All Inclusive
vacations.
Diving Charters
Families (Up to parties of 10, when family is involved or 20 on
selected yachts.)
Honeymooners
One couple special occasions (Anniversaries, Birthdays,
Weddings)
Friend’s Reunions (usually around 3-4 couples)
Corporate incentive package vacations
Learn to Sail clients---we offer sailing instruction with
full certification possible in one week.
Those who own their own boats but don't want to do all the work.
QUESTIONS TO
ASK YOURSELF:
How many in your party?
How many cabins will your party need for
sleeping?
Will you be wanting a Captain and Chef or
Captain only?
Will you want a power (or motor) yacht or
sailing yacht?
Will you or any of your party be diving?
(Certified Divers only, usually)
How many nights will you want to be on charter?
(Most all charters are for 7 nights/8 days from noon to noon—shorter terms might be available but sometimes at a
premium of 10% added.)
WHY THE VIRGIN
ISLANDS?
Map of Ferry routes amongst the islands of the US and BVI
Here you will see all the Virgin Islands in one small
graphic. All islands are within sight of
one another except of the very flat island at the top right, Anegada. Also, you
will see the channel, separating one set of islands from another. This is the
famous Sir Francis Drake Channel....Yachts sailing inside this channel are
protected from anything kicking up either in the Caribbean Sea to the South, or
the Atlantic Ocean to the North. This is a wonderful place to boat as not only
is there something for everyone, but something for every level of
boater, from novice to old salt. There are more than 90 islands and little cays
to explore by private yacht. Local skippers know just where to take the client
once they get to know each other. It is
the perfect customized vacation and evolves daily as new discoveries are made
by you.
The Virgin Islands, are both US and British governed. All
currency is the US dollar.
Passports are needed to enter the
BVI and then RETURN to the US Virgin Islands. For US Citizens, you can stay in the beautiful waters of the USVI...St. Thomas and St. John. If not going into the BVI, no passports are needed.
WEATHER IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS______________
Water temperatures range from 78-87 plus/minus. Always
warm...and crystal clear. Air temperatures seldom ever fall below 78 and the
average in peak travel months is 80-85 degrees.
Rainfall normally is produced by black bottomed clouds
appearing, dumping some water, and then quickly moving on.
Of course, in late Summer, the risk of storms increases.
Tropical waves forming off of Africa often spin South or North, but as everyone
knows, there is that chance---The months with the most activity are September
and early October.
Winds: The Virgin Islands are situated in the cooling
Easterly Trade wind belt. Average wind direction is East with some shade of
North in the winter and some shade of South in the Summer months.
Average wind speed in the Summer ranges from 10-15 knots
and in Winter, from 15-20 knots.
Though less common in these days of changing weather, the
famous Christmas winds can come anytime between October and April. These winds
are often 20-25 knots and higher for some days straight. This makes for great
sailing for old salts! In the last few years, the Christmas winds haven’t come
at all.
WHY NOT TAKE A CRUISE SHIP?
It's
like combining the best features of a cruise ship and a luxury resort. Call it
a “FLOATING VILLA”. You'll travel to a
different, unspoiled destination each day with a degree of pampering and
personal attention you may not have experienced before.
Say good-bye to crowds, waiting in lines, and pre-set
itineraries. This is your own private yacht, with a variety of amenities and
water sports to enjoy at will, and a launch to take you ashore whenever you
please.
Your professional crew will take care of all the details,
so you can relax and unwind.
Your personal chef will plan each meal based on your
specific requests. Your skipper will personally guide you to your chosen
destination, knowing where to find the most secluded beaches, the quietest
anchorages or the liveliest evening entertainment.
Your time is your own...play with all your onboard toys,
or do absolutely nothing.
See a flotilla below made up of a large group of friends who wanted to play together!
Big Cats at play. Compliments of Voyage Charters. Offering bareboat charters and crewed charters.
PLEASE NOTE: Many professional crew are “owner operators”
as was Slip Aweigh Charters. I do like to book those yachts as they have a
personal vested interest in their business.
Other yachts are crewed by hired teams and most are
excellent and very professional. But, all are not created equal. Just because
they look good in a photo does not mean that they will do the best job for MY client. It’s up to me, at Slip Aweigh, to stay tuned into crew changes and
reputations.
ASSURANCES AND SAFETY
Not just any boat/or yacht
can be acceptable as a Charter Yacht. First, fundamental criteria must be met
and maintained.
1)
All appropriate
licenses must be current. Please inquire with Slip Aweigh Charters for
compliance. We will offer no boats for charter which do not meet this minimum criteria.
2)
The Skipper must
have a USCG license (or equivalent in the BVI.) All crew members including the Skipper, must have a valid STCW certificate.
3)
The yacht must
have appropriate insurance and liability in place and renewed in a timely
manner.
COST COMPARISON: CREWED 44' CATAMARAN TO BAREBOAT 44' CATAMARAN
Cost per person/week/7 nights and 8 days
$2041 per person based on 6 guests
Includes: All meals, all drinks, Two 2 person kayaks, complete dive gear, all mooring fees, 5 dives included FREE for certified divers, large center console dinghy with 45 HP outboard, mats, fishing gear and WiFi. Crew of two to prepare all meals to your preference and keep you supplied with all the drinks you can manage.
44' Bareboat Catamaran
Up to 6 guests
Included: Equipped galley, dinghy w/ 15 hp, linens, snorkel gear i.e. mask and fins.
Cost per person/week/7 nights and 8 days
$2214 per person based on 6 guests
(Estimated cost includes mandatory non-refundable insurance, cruising fees, National Park permit, Scuba gear rental @ $150/week/per person, 1 one person kayak at $135/week)
Not included are nightly mooring fees where necessary to use at an approximate cost of $30/night.
And you do all the work.
__________________________________________________________________________
We do so hope that you enjoyed this sketch of how it could be for you and your family and friends.
If you love reconnecting with Nature. If you are into exploring new things. Really, there is no better vacation possible.
Cane Garden Bay, Tortola BVI
At the end of the day, you'll be glad you selected this option for your vacation plan. And we at Slip Aweigh Charters are ready to help.
Give us a call.
US Phone/eFax: 266.297.0163
You'll be glad you did.
